It has been three years since I left the Philippines resentful. I shut down everything only to find bad news about my family starting to fall apart because of a crazy woman. Who the hell is she to make our family a laughing stock? Now, I need to go home for good. Ugh! Dad says it looks like mommy will also need therapy because she doesn't want to talk to anyone except to her plants and she's always staying in her small studio in our house. Things I didn’t expect to happen while I was living independently here in Australia. I was supposed to go home after my last modeling show in Guam but I chose to stay there.
Haaay!!.. I sighed deeply.
"Dad!" I immediately muttered upon opening the door in his office. He's engrossed reading and he already looks too old.
“Oh! Come in on Samantha! ”
“How’s mom?” I asked immediately.
"She's fine, but mum for everyone and your brother is slowly killing himself." Daddy didn't have an ambiguous answer.
"What?" I muttered, surprised.
“We need to find Anita to save your brother. She's the only thing that can save him from the depression, anxiety and frustration or else he will die young." Daddy's sad promise.
“Where is he dad? Maybe I should surprise him!” Daddy let out a heavy sigh.
“He is in Palawan. In a few days the resort he built will have its grand opening. So far the biggest one.”
"Really, that's a nice place, dad."
"It's nice, Sam, if your brother has a break, don't you know that it's his fourth opened hotel and resort for three years? If I'm not mistaken, they opened a coffee shop and restaurants!"
"What!" Is that how bad it happened to him when my supposed sister-in-law left him. I can't forgive that wrench for killing my brother's happiness.
I bonded with mommy before leaving for Palawan. Still jetlag, but I can’t wait to see my brother. I can have my rest when I get there. I really want to see what he's up to.
“Mam Samantha!” Lea yelled upon seeing me entering the executive floor.
“Lea, so he transferred you here. Where is he?”
"He is in his office, ma'am!"
I entered his office without him being aware, he was busy staring at the pictures hanging on the wall. He was pathetic to look at, he used to be cheerful and naughty. Able to combine his luxury and business, but now he is a dead man living for others.
"Hi, can I come in?" He looked at me in surprise.
"Samantha, why didn't you tell me to pick you up?" He blurted surprise.
"I don't know if you want to see me with-" He smiled hard while opening both his hands.
"Should you come and hug your brother then?" I ran and hugged him tightly. I really miss him.
“I’m sorry princess. I’m just tired and in pain! "
“I know! It’s okay and I’m sorry for leaving you! "
"Let's catch up with the missing moments. Let's eat at my favorite restaurant. The place is beautiful and their food was exquisite!"
We went to a classical restaurant. If this is possible, you don't have to move place by place. Their mini bar beside the entrance is awesome. But of course, if you like to dance with your frustrations, this is not the best place. I love how solemn and colorful.
“I love it too. This place is awesome. You can dine peacefully while listening to classical music! ” I said as I looked around.
“Yeah! This is where Rex and I go when we want something new. ” I was stunned to hear his name. It’s been too long since the last time I saw him. Of course, it is inevitable that we will meet because my older brother is a close friend.
"Bro, you are late. We are almost done." My older brother said. I raised my head to our unexpected companion. I stared at him, he was still so handsome, especially his dimples, that even if he didn’t smile it seemed like he was smiling at you. His thick black brows perfectly complimented his tan skin and dark eyes. His cute tall nose was just right. His red lips are inviting you to kiss. I almost choke at the thought of kissing his lips. Why doesn't he seem to be getting older? Why does he seem to have become even more attractive and delicious?
"Samantha!"
"Sam!"
"W-What are you saying?" I almost stuttered. I felt ashamed, almost caught in the act of drooling at him.
"Hi Sam, you were just in high school when I last saw you. Now, you have grown into a beautiful lady." Rex greeted, looking at me, which made my face even redder. Ouch! I'm just a lady in his eyes! There's a pinch in my chest! Can't you be beautiful and sexy now? I would prefer that to a lady.
"I said, until when are you staying here?" Older brother asked again.
“I guess for good, I promised dad to help you. I have people to take care of my business. I left there and I asked for a leave from my manager for my modeling career. ” I avoided looking at him as I answered my older brother because I knew my face was blooming red. I still want to see his face again, but I'm afraid he'll notice me. He's damn irresistible. I don’t know what happened in the five years I was gone other than I found out that Coleen, the woman he loved dearly, died. My heart aches to think I'm not the one beating in his heart.
“That’s good Sam! So take a break for a while bro.” Rex replied.
“I don’t think I can, bro. Being busy makes me sane! ” My older brother answered sadly. I can see the pain on his face that he tries to hide with a fake smile.
"No brother, that's why I'm here to help you manage so you can take a vacation for at least a month."
“Are you sure about that, Sam?”
“Very sure, brother, I have businesses in New York. I also know where exactly to find her! ”
“Yeah! She’s in Korea and happily moving on! ” He answered sadly.
The opening was successful and my brother accepted my proposal. I’m happy that he can rest for at least a month. Today was his departure and I was too nervous to be left behind. It would have been okay if it was just me, but the case is case, I will always bump into Atty. Rex in all my transactions and since it's just opened, there are many things to do and I will really need his help.
“Sam, stick to the SOP, Rex will always be there to guide and assist you! People will underestimate you since you're a woman. Just stay firm and always listen to Rex.” My older brother insisted. I know how my older brother works, so the standard policy is important to him.
“I will, just please enjoy your vacation. Forget about work temporarily, just be yourself. My house is equipped with everything you need."
“I’ll try Samantha. I’ll try. ” He forced a smile before he left with Rex.
